Now, EU asks Pak to bring 26/11 perpetrators to book

December 10, 2010 21:14 IST

The European Union on Friday joined India in pressing Pakistan to "expeditiously" bring the perpetrators, authors and accomplices of the 26/11 terror attacks to justice, as they expressed concern at the "continuing existence" of safe havens, including in the cross-border dimension.

In a veiled reference to the existence of terror camps in Pakistan, the 27-nation European Union and India at their 11th annual summit, which was attended by Dr Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a joint declaration on international terrorism denounced those "who sponsor, abet and instigate terrorism and provide terrorist safe havens."

The importance attached by the European and Indian leadership on fighting threats posed by terrorism, be it in Mumbai, Rome or Madrid, was reflected in the summit coming out with a separate joint declaration having exhaustive references to the menace in the joint statement and in comments voiced by

Singh and Herman Rompuy, the European council president

"We have agreed to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation," Singh said at a joint press conference with Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

While reviewing the situation in India's neighbourhood and developments in Europe, Singh said EU and India were united in their view that the success of the international community's efforts in Afghanistan was critical for the people of the war-torn country as well as for the stability and security of India and Europe.

"Be it London, Mumbai or Madird, terrorism knows no borders. There is a need for a common response," Rompuy said.

The joint declaration also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. It also encouraged all countries to deny safe havens to terrorists and to dismantle terror infrastructure on the terrorists under their control.

The EU's approach to fighting terrorism assumes significance in the wake of the terror threats also staring at Europe followign busting of terror plots by Intelligence agencies.

European political analysts said it is perhaps for the first time that the EU as a bloc has come out strongly against Pakistan on terrorism and the need for them do more.